Chairman’s blog

COVID-19

It has now been a common feature of my reports for sixteen months now, and so dominant has this subject been in our national, and indeed international story that it seems the best place to start once more. I refer of course to Covid-19.

As spring has moved into summer, optimism has returned once more. Local retailers are trading again, and so too hospitality venues have welcomed us back to much loved community focal points where we have so often caught up with friends. It all feels very ‘normal’.

Many things certainly appear to be heading in the right direction at last, with businesses reopening, testing giving us confidence and the astounding vaccine rollout affording us all some long-term protection against a nasty and persistent virus.

At the same time, we do still have some concerns. As we reopen society once more, cases are beginning to rise. This is a natural consequence of reopening, though to date hospitalisations and serious illness in the population remains mercifully low. I hope this continues.

At the time of writing, the mood is pretty buoyant. Restrictions are expected to end fully in a matter of weeks and we have been cheered as a society no end by a surprisingly strong run by England in the Euros football.

#shoplocal events

The Parish Council has worked on several key Saturdays across the summer to encourage Wombourne residents to shop local, as well as residents further afield to visit our unique High Streets. This is all aimed at helping our small traders to recover from the pandemic. There are several themes; the first was ‘music’, transforming the village into one large music festival; with the others being based around ‘heroes’ and ‘fairy tales’. With live performance and a spectacle for the public, especially children, it is hoped this helps show off our High Streets at their best, with work undertaken around the village centre as well as at Blakeley.

Community Speedwatch

Several other initiatives are also ongoing, including Wombourne Community Speed Watch, which is now active and helping to make our roads safer. If you see the team out and about, give them a wave and let them know their entirely voluntary efforts are appreciated.

Voluntary Groups

BKV and other groups remain as active as ever, and are well supported by Councillors. If you would like to volunteer, get in touch with one of them; they would be pleased to hear from you. Similarly, if you are involved with a community group and would like to show off what you do in our community, I would love to hear from you. As Chairman of the Parish Council, I always feel strongly about supporting our voluntary sector and recognising the value and joy you bring, so please get in touch.

I do hope, as we look towards late summer and autumn, that the outlook continues to improve and we can welcome back village events such as the Christmas lights switch-on and others (apologies for mentioning Christmas already!) and a return of the Carnival next year, which is greatly longed-for by many, as well as the exciting celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s 70th year on the throne.

South Staffordshire Council’s Local Plan Review

Finally, and very importantly, I turn to the theme of development. The District Council’s Local Plan Review is now well advanced and is due to report on its ‘Preferred Options’ towards the end of the summer, likely September. At that stage, we will get an idea of the sites proposed for potential future development, and this will be followed by an eight-week public consultation. I urge all residents to engage with that consultation when the time comes.

The reason I specifically mention this now is because significant interest and concern is being raised by the publication of very professional documents promoting one ‘site’ or other. These are produced by developers and are intended to help sell the vision they have but they are not part of the Council’s review. The District Council will make their own determinations on which sites are considered appropriate and so these documents are currently entirely speculative.

Naturally, a conversation around development, the needs of future generations and the infrastructure that would need to come with it has to be had while we also seek to ensure we retain the character and identity of our village within the wider District. As such, please ensure your voice is heard by contributing to the next public consultation stage. Your voice matters.

Daniel Kinsey,
Chairman
Wombourne Parish Council

Chairman’s Blog

As I sit down to write this latest report, I am filled with optimism. After a very cold and wet start to the new year, which has also witnessed further horrific ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic across the country, there now appears to be a sense of optimism in the air.

February gave way to March with some wonderfully sunny and warm weather, which I am sure gave everybody a much-needed boost. At the time of writing, just over 20 million have received their first vaccine dose, and the number of cases continues to decrease. The Prime Minister’s ‘road map’ out of lock-down has been published, and this means we will have started to emerge from lock-down. By the time you read these words, we will have passed the first anniversary of lock-down on 23^rd March. We have all witnessed the hardships of this last year, whether we have been ill, lost loved ones, shielded for extended periods, missed work and school routines, or felt the pressure this has all placed on our mental health. We are all looking to the horizon for the dawn of that happier time.

In the spirit of reflection, and of celebrating the lives of those who have passed in the last year for the joy their lives gave to us, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the passing of Philip Pennell. To those of you that knew him, or indeed to those of you that may have supported or enjoyed the work of the Wombourne History Group, WHiG and Phil were inseparable. He was one of the founding members, and living in the village for over fifty years, there was little about the place he did not know. A Planning Officer by trade, he knew maps. He also had a great fondness for the pubs of the village. It is with great sadness that we mark his passing; another stalwart of village life lost in this last, long year of sadness.

The village looks to the future though, and I would like to ask that, if any of you reading this share an interest in our local history, consider contacting and joining WHiG. As a passionate teacher of history myself, I cannot think of a more fitting tribute.

We certainly are looking to more positive things as this year progresses, and already many wonderful things are happening in the village. By now, you will no doubt know that I am a strong supporter of Wombourne’s Best Kept Village team; and what a team they are! Have you seen our not so small army of young litter warriors out and about? This initiative was launched by BKV in February, and within days over 60 children had signed up for their own litter-picker and hi-vis vest to show litter just who’s boss. They even made the Express and Star and their hard work is already being widely recognised by residents across the Parish.

Education is how we make a long-term difference in this world, and these children will grow up to be responsible adults that take pride in their home. This is how we win the war on waste and make positive changes that help the environment. I cannot be prouder of what they are doing, and of BKV for leading the way. If you see them out and about, tell them how proud you are of them.

There is further good news for road safety in the village too. Wombourne now has its very own Community Speed Watch team. The Parish Council and our County Councillor have supported the initiative through the purchase of equipment in the past, although we have always lacked a sustainable team to maintain activities. This is something I have sought to solve, and I am pleased to report we now have a team of eight enthusiastic volunteers, myself included, keen to make our roads safer. Training has been delayed due to the pandemic, but by May, you should be starting to see the team out at locations around the village. The passion shown by volunteers is spurred by the desire, once more, to continue making our village a better and safer place to live. I have the greatest respect for them all.

If you would like to join the team, please get in touch with us at the Parish Council. We would love to see you on the team.

As my second term as your Parish Chairman comes to an end, I can only say it has been the greatest privilege to have served you and our community over this last year. I hope I have helped to make a difference to the lives of just some of those most affected by the pandemic, and I am so thankful for the hard work and dedication of so many volunteers that have looked after friends, family and neighbours. You have all made such a difference, and I cannot say how inspiring it has been to see you roll up sleeves, don face masks and sanitise hands, and get on with supporting your community.

Naturally, I must also thank, from the very bottom of my heart, the inspirational group of amazing individuals that make up the central team behind Wombourne Community Assistance Group. You have maintained online meetings and briefings throughout, you have tackled problems we never envisaged, and I am pleased to call you all my very good friends. Thank you.

Daniel Kinsey,

Chairman

Wombourne Parish Council

Chairman’s report

The Christmas period is now upon us, and this year it looks and feels very different to any Christmas we might ever have experienced. In November, we moved as a country into a new lock down. Having rediscovered some degree of the freedoms we had once unthinkingly enjoyed over summer, I understand when some of us might be feeling we are slowly being dragged back towards the deeply worrying days of March and April. Sadly, Covid-19 remains with us.

While the times in which we find ourselves living may indeed be trying, I hope many of you are able to enjoy this festive season. We have sought to keep positive and festive across the Parish throughout advent, and I hope you have been able to join in with some of the socially distanced activities that harken back to our finest hour as a community in May with VE Day celebrations. This includes a community Christmas Lights switch-on from our homes, community Christmas cards, and a festive sing-along. Hopefully this provides a sense of the generous Christmas and community spirit our village is well known for.

Christmas is always a special time of year, where we see family, crowd round dinner tables and enjoy time with friends. This year, while we are social distancing and unable to meet others outside of our own households yet again, we can still retain that special closeness. Many of us might look forward to special phone calls with loved ones or having our first ‘zoom’ family Christmas. We can still take a moment out of our days to see our neighbours, especially those living alone or shielding, and spread that cheer that is more important to us now than ever.

This message of festive cheer is all the more important for the current circumstances. With Covid-19 resurgent in communities right across the country, we must also restate the commitments so many of us made early on in this pandemic to watch over and support the most vulnerable members of our community. This means checking on neighbours, offering to do some shopping, collecting a prescription, or simply being friendly – these days a smile, even behind a mask, goes a long way.

Once more, Wombourne’s very own Community Assistance Group remain on hand to assist wherever this becomes necessary. We hope this remains unnecessary, but we will not drop our guard over what could be a long winter for some. This extensive group of dedicated and truly wonderful people who reside in every corner of our Parish display the very best of our community. Many of you will have retained the essential contact details we sent round in newsletters to every home earlier this year, and should any of you feel the need to reach out for support, they are there for you to use.

On a more upbeat note, it is lovely to see the variety of ways people are celebrating the season in such innovative ways, and I am very pleased to have been judging the Christmas Window competition again this year. While the times are difficult, it is so uplifting to see the range of businesses across the village helping to keep smiles on faces, especially children, by decorating windows despite the trying times.

Similarly, Remembrance Sunday is always a big day in our calendar, and I well remember gazing out over a packed congregation as I gave a reading at last year’s service. This year, like so much, it was simply impossible to mark this important occasion in the same way. Nonetheless, it was an honour to represent the village in laying a wreath at the war memorial, and I was very pleased this event could still be shared with our residents who feel so deeply about remembering our fallen heroes via social media. This is testament to our inventiveness and enthusiasm that this village, and our county, is renowned for. As I laid the wreath this year, I could not help but feel we are remembering a very many more modern and civilian heroes, as well as loved ones of all sorts we may have lost.

Please continue to look after one another, enjoy the company you can keep in the settings you can keep it in, and continue to follow the guidance set out by the Government. I very much hope for a 2021 that is brighter than 2020.

All that remains for me to say is stay safe, stay well and spread happiness wherever you can. Have a wonderful, fulfilling and very happy Christmas, followed by a happy and prosperous New Year.

Daniel Kinsey

Chairman

Wombourne Parish Council

Somewhat amazingly, it may feel, we are approaching autumn 2020. Today, as I look around our village, it does feel as though life has returned to something that closely resembles ‘normal’. Residents of all ages are out and about, enjoying our public spaces and walks as well as bars, pubs, cafés and shops.

As everybody is fully aware, we have a cricket club at the very heart of our village. As a cricketer myself, I have to say the village centre felt incredibly quiet throughout May, June and into July without the usual weekend sight of a cricket match and spectators around the Green. It has been lovely to see this sight re-emerge and bring back that traditional sign of village life over the past weeks.

In this post-lockdown and restricted world, it does seem many are turning to sport and recreation, enjoying the outdoors in a way many of us simply didn’t have time for previously. This is so nice to see, and I really hope more and more members of this community take up sporting and fitness activities, whether outdoor or indoor. If this sounds like something for you, please look into the wide range of classes, activities, sporting groups and others that are around in the village.

It is also a really wonderful thing to see the re-emergence of our usually vibrant community groups and volunteer organisations, and I would like to congratulate everyone who has worked hard to get back to doing these good things, in their spare time and for free, that make a difference to the lives of so many across our community.

We have seen such an outpouring of community spirit over the last six months and many residents have sought new outlets for their spare time that allows and enables them to do something positive for others, support the community, meet new friends and enjoy spending time socialising (socially distancing of course) with like-minded people.

It strikes me that this year has given us all an opportunity to build positive networks across our community and join in with our fantastic and often long-standing volunteers. If you are reading this and thinking you would be interested in getting involved, please look into the wealth of community groups we have. Volunteers are such a precious resource (and Covid-19 has surely demonstrated this for us), so joining-in, having a go and doing something you enjoy would be a huge benefit to our community organisations. Regardless of your age, ability or even availability, you would be very welcome. If this sounds like something for you, but you do not know where to start, look up our volunteer groups on Wombourne Online, email Wombourne and District Community Association, or contact either the Parish Council office or even myself.

Some of you reading this may have received a Positivity Parcel over the summer. I got involved delivering some of these myself to residents young and old, providing a small pick-me-up in the wake of this most horrendous of situations, and the response was so very heart-warming. I have met many residents delivering these, and have seen first hand what a little gift can mean to people.

On this note, I would like to say thank you to the much wider Wombourne Community Assistance Group team who put together and delivered these parcels – they are all such wonderful people.

As time moves on and restrictions ease, we are all getting out more and enjoying life as we once did. In doing so however, please remember to play your part in keeping yourselves and others safe. Shopping in our village is safe and our retailers have risen to the challenge in providing all of the measures that reassure us wherever we go. Please remember to wear face masks when entering shops and enclosed spaces, and keep two metres distant wherever you can. While this still is not ‘normal’, it enables us to do many of the things we would normally expect, and I thank everyone that undertake these steps to keep us all safe.

Please stay safe and well everyone, and look after each other.

Daniel Kinsey
Chairman

As we reach the end of the civic year I felt it an important moment to reflect on events since the election of a new Parish Council back in May 2019. It has been quite a year.

Firstly, I must mention the flooding we experienced in the wake of the February storms. What an end to an incredibly wet winter. If ever any were needed, this was a timely reminder of the importance of community in such trying circumstances. I would like to say an enormous thank you to all those residents who got out there, volunteering their time in the wet and the cold, who sought to help those in distress, and repair, clean and restore our community buildings affected, clearing drains of debris or reporting hazards to the relevant authorities – whether you feel your contribution was big or small, collectively you helped to make a massive difference, and we should all be very proud to live next door to such community-spirited individuals.

Undoubtedly, this made for a memorable start to 2020. It also fits very well with my experience as Chairman of the Parish over the last year; witnessing the real vibrancy of our volunteering community in Wombourne. Regularly, I have attended events put on by volunteers, whether they are raising money for a good cause or running a group or society that makes a difference locally. I am always amazed by the new groups I come across, and as such I was delighted to invite many of them to our annual Civic dinner in order to thank them formally for all of their hard work.

Community spirit does not stop at volunteering, of course. I was delighted by the sheer numbers of local businesses involved in the Christmas and Carnival window competitions, and the summer Wombourne in Bloom competition, which give much joy to residents at those times of year, and to the great variety of school children designing posters, writing poetry, or singing their hearts out. Not only that, but many of our younger members of the village are getting out litter picking, or watering flower tubs in the summer months, in support of our very own, newly branded Best Kept Village Community to help keep Wombourne looking its best. I’m sure we can all agree that when we see areas looking litter and weed-free, it makes a difference to us. I can also say how heart-warming it is when people approach our volunteers in the street whilst they are sweeping leaves or picking litter, and simply say ‘thank you for doing that’, or ‘well done!’ I have witnessed this for myself, and can tell you it means an awful lot.

We have a very special community here in the Wombourne Parish. While we certainly have our fair share of issues locally, as everywhere does, it is remarkable just how much of a positive difference people do make to their community. It is all of you that make this village what it is, and I can only close by saying that it has been an absolute privilege to have represented Wombourne as its Parish Chairman over the last year.

Thank you.

Daniel Kinsey,

Chairman,

Wombourne Parish Council

Chairman’s Blog – Spring 2020

Welcome to 2020 everyone!

I realise we are now well into the new year, but what a special occasion. Not only are we welcoming a new year, but a new decade too – and I must say I am looking forward to getting on and promoting some new initiatives through the Parish Council. It will be a busy few months.

First, however, I’d like to go back to some of the fantastic happenings over the Christmas period. As I’m sure you will all remember, the festive season began in Wombourne with a bang on 29^th November at the annual Christmas Lights switch-on. As with all of the big events in the chairman’s calendar, it was a night I will always remember.

However, much has happened since then. The following week, I participated in Small Business Saturday, visiting forty-six businesses over a pretty packed six hours or so. We have some really wonderful small businesses in our village, and it was a pleasure getting out to support them and their exciting ventures – and picking up some ideas for Christmas gifts while I was at it! This year was particularly special as we received fantastic support from more outlying shops, particularly from Bull Lane and Common road. This was a really enjoyable day, and if you own a small business (or know someone who does), and you were not involved this year, make sure you register your interest for the next Small Business Saturday.

Alongside this was the announcing of the Christmas Window competition winner. I really enjoyed doing this, and was frankly amazed at the number of businesses that get involved and put out really lovely displays. Again, if you haven’t entered before, give it a go! In fact, a lesson here can be found in our 2019 winner. Blush of Bull Lane put in a truly stunning effort, and took the top spot on their first ever attempt. However, the competition was fierce with Let’s Go Round Again runners-up and a further three highly commended. Well done to all the entrants, and keep up the great work.

It was a great honour to be invited to give a reading and participate in two Christmas Carol services this Christmas.  The first, on election night, was well attended by members of all of our local churches, and on Sunday 22^nd December I attended the service at Wombourne Methodist Church. Both were heart-warming occasions, and as ever it is great to see so many members of our community coming together and enjoying each other’s company.

In my last blog I wrote about thinking of those who might be alone at Christmas. On the 20^th December I volunteered my services as a driver for three of our residents, taking them to and from a Christmas party held at the District Council offices in Codsall. This was all in aid of ensuring that special time of year was not missed by some of our residents who are lone much of the time, and it was again wonderful to see so many there, from all over South Staffordshire. I would also like to thank any and all residents and colleagues who supported this wonderful initiative.

That is it for me, in my first blog of 2020, but I would like to flag up a few things that are coming up soon. First, I am really looking forward to our annual Civic Reception in March, which is always enjoyable – and a way for the Parish Council to recognise the fantastic work of all of our voluntary groups. Some of you may have noticed that the Parish Council is becoming more active online – you will already be aware of this website, but we have now launched ourselves onto Facebook and Twitter, so please do catch up with us online and see what your Council is doing. Finally, I am really looking forward to working on a project to establish Wombourne as a Dementia Friendly Village. We will be getting out building practical support for this very soon. Please help us make this a success.

Daniel Kinsey,

Chairman,

Wombourne Parish Council

I’m sure you will agree that this year has absolutely flown by! We are now welcoming Christmas and the New Year, which commenced in the usual fashion with the Christmas lights switch-on. It was fantastic to see so many people turn out once again, welcoming the start of the festive season.

I have found it constantly inspiring on all of these important occasions how many members of our community show their support, and come together to make Wombourne the vibrant village that it is. Speaking of which, it was a very humbling experience on Remembrance Sunday to see so many turn out to not only commemorate those that have fallen for us, but also to signal our deep respect for those who serve. It was a great honour to place a wreath, and it is a memory I shall not forget.

Now we are turning to celebrate the festive period, and I hope it brings joy to all. However, whilst it is often a fun time spent in the company of friends and family, celebrating the good things we have, there are those for whom Christmas is a lonely time. At this point I would like to ask that every reader takes the time to look out for those neighbours who are alone at Christmas. They may be elderly or separated from loved ones, and the value of a friendly face cannot be underestimated. Especially as the weather deteriorates, some may appreciate some help purchasing everyday essentials. Loneliness is a terrible thing, and it can only be worse at Christmas time.

While looking out for those alone over the festive period is of great importance, the Parish Council is also investigating the possibility of establishing Wombourne as a ‘Dementia-friendly’ village. If achieved, I feel this would be a great signal that we are determined to help and support villagers suffering with this illness to be independent and active members of the community for as long as possible. It is important that we help sufferers and their families maintain the confidence to use services in our community, and that support can be sought in a wide variety of places should it become necessary.

For now, I would like to leave you with my best wishes for the festive season. May you all have a very merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Daniel Kinsey
Chairman

We are now rushing headlong into autumn in Wombourne, and the vibrant blooms of summer are fast transforming into the familiar sights of the new season. Dare I say, we will soon be looking forward to the Christmas Lights switch-on!

I hope all villagers had enjoyable and, no doubt, well-earned summer breaks between the sometimes unseasonal and turbulent weather we seem to be becoming accustomed to in a British summer time.

Despite some cold, rainy weather at times, I think we can all agree the village looked better than ever in its summertime finery. The Best Kept Village committee again did us proud, ensuring a beautiful and tidy village. It is with great pride that I would like to congratulate them and all their volunteers in achieving third place in the large village category of the Best Kept Village competition, as well as extending thanks for their selfless hard work.

Whilst on the subject, it is also an opportune moment to congratulate the winners of the Wombourne in Bloom competition this year. Like the efforts of the BKV, Wombourne’s businesses also get in on the act to ensure the village looks its best. It was fantastic to see so many businesses participating, and I hope even more choose to do so next year. This year’s winners were Walker’s Way, where the level of work was frankly staggering, and The Mount Pleasant, where the hanging display was simply stunning. A huge well done to all those that took part.

However, there is naturally much more going on in Wombourne than marvelling at its summer splendour. The Parish Council is now passing the 125 years milestone, which is another important event in the life of the village that I hope will be built upon for many years to come.

Equally, we have renewal within the village. In early September I attended the closing meeting of 2^nd Wombourne Scout Group. Despite being the end of an era in some ways, it was not a sad affair. Rather, the meeting witnessed the birth of The Bratch Scouts – it was a renewal, and a rebranding that is intended to bring greater recognition and support to an essential community and youth organisation. The positivity of the event was fantastic, and perhaps they will be celebrating that day in 125 years’ time too.

On a final note, I also attended Perton Parish Council’s Civic Service in September. A long-time volunteer myself, I know the impact they can have. Many local community groups owe their existence to their tireless efforts, and it must be no surprise that the central theme of this article is congratulating volunteer successes, urging more to get involved and thanking volunteers for their dedication. As with the Best Kept Village committee, Wombourne’s very own Volunteer Bureau is also a key organisation at the heart of Parish life. All the groups mentioned, and many others besides, will always welcome new volunteers, and if you can spare even an hour here or there, I am certain it would be most welcome. This is where the Parish becomes a community, and I want to thank you all for the work you do.

Daniel Kinsey,

Chairman

Summer 2019

To echo my previous piece as your outgoing Vice Chairman, I’d like to say a warm hello to all of the residents of the Wombourne Parish – this time as your new Chairman. I must say, it is a great honour to be elected your Chairman for the next year, and along with the newly elected Council, we look forward to serving our Parish over the next four years.

As such, we have a wealth of talent on the Parish Council, including all seven of our District Councillors, and our County Councillor. I am grateful for their continued support and guidance, and we benefit greatly from their close involvement in the village.

Only a few weeks into my new role, I have already been kept busy representing the Parish across a wide variety of events. All have been thoroughly enjoyable, and I look forward to attending many more.

On Monday 24^th June, I attended the flag-raising ceremony at the District Council for Armed Forces Day. As a history teacher myself, I am very committed to honouring the very best of our armed forces, whether current or historic. They deserve our undying respect. At this ceremony, I was stopped by a young lady who was amazed to see the procession, particularly of Parish and District Chairmen proudly wearing their chains of office. She asked me what I did, and I responded that I chaired my Parish Council and represented it at official engagements. She observed that the chains looked heavy, and was grateful for me taking the time to speak to her. Actually, it was a pleasure. I look forward to many more such encounters.

Of course, it has been that time of year again, where the village was gripped by Carnival Fever. This year’s theme, Bringing Books to Life, was well supported by the school float competition, and the quality of the entrants was as high as ever. Indeed, this is quite a pertinent theme, given the times. I’m sure we’ve all come to identify children’s playtime with television and video-games these days, but it is extremely important to underline the importance and joy of reading. I look forward to this each year, and it was fantastic to see so many turn out to support it.

The Carnival committee do a fantastic job in putting this annual show on, and a big well done to all those that help to bring it together on the day! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting people throughout the day, visiting all the stalls and seeing the fantastically high standards at the W.I. event. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves too, and look forward to seeing you there next year.

One of my main initiatives as Chairman has been to demonstrate my unwavering support for Wombourne’s Best Kept Village committee. They have done a fantastic job for many years keeping our village looking its best, and in recent years has grown its volunteer base which is enabling it to undertake ever more ambitious initiatives. It is amazing to see the improvements they have made to the village. Anyone who has been past the Women’s Institute village hall on the High street recently will be able to attest to what they can do in a single morning, and I was delighted to offer my own services in support of them.

What is more, with support from schools, and all manner of youth organisations, they are helping to create a new generation that sees actively caring for their surroundings as an essential part of community life. This is simply inspirational, and I would ask all those that can spare a morning to check the BKV Facebook page for their next scheduled activities – it would be lovely to see you there.

Finally, I would like to reiterate the words of our last Chairman, Mary Roberts. I really do wish to encourage more community feedback to the Parish Council, especially your triumphs, and hope to see residents in the Public Participation sessions before the monthly Parish Meetings.

Daniel Kinsey
Chairman
Wombourne Parish Council

A big hello to all residents of the Wombourne Parish! As your outgoing Parish Council Vice-Chairman, I must say these are exciting times. Not only are we starting a new year, with Parish Councillors appointed to new roles, particularly the election of a new Chairman and Vice-Chair, but we are also closing down the Parish Council that has been in place for the last four years, holding both Parish and District elections, and opening a new Parish Council.

The start of this new four-year cycle is indeed inspiring, and I look forward to welcoming new and returning Councillors at the first meeting in June. At the time of writing, the election is still ongoing, and we still do not know the make-up of the new Council, and so the first meeting of the new session really will be a fresh, invigorating experience.

However, not all recent events have been so positive. We are now mourning the loss of our longstanding friend and colleague, Councillor Mary Bond. Her passing has come as a very great shock, and my thoughts, along with that of all of my colleagues, are very much with her husband, Councillor Barry Bond at this time.

It strikes me as unfortunate that, at the same time we are mourning her passing, we are still seeking election and working towards the formation of a new Council – in many ways it feels highly inappropriate. Yet Mary was nothing if not a dedicated public servant, and whilst we do rightly take the opportunity to reflect where we can, it does seem to me fitting that we honour her memory by continuing towards forming a committed and hard-working Council. She was determined to improve her local community, and we should strive to be as committed and effective. As such, our newly elected Parish Councillors will have big shoes to fill.

Mary Bond will be greatly missed.

At this point, it seems hardly right, but I really ought to introduce myself. I have lived in the Parish for a little over four years and live with my partner Hannah who works in the village. However, I am even now still getting to know the village, and getting to know lots of new people – as such, I am still learning. As a recent graduate from the University of Wolverhampton, I now work in the same institution as a History teacher – a job I thoroughly enjoy. Being in a position where I can help to broaden horizons, encourage, facilitate and ultimately educate and inspire new generations of students is extremely important to me, and it is no coincidence that this passion also drives me to participate in public life, representing my friends, neighbours and local residents.

There are a number of things I am particularly passionate about – History, politics and Cricket being chief amongst these. I have run my local club as a senior committee member for fourteen years now, and am equally insistent on the benefits of sport and recreational activity, as well as the vital social interaction that it necessitates.

I am eagerly looking forward to spending the next year representing my Parish, getting to know many more new faces no doubt, and working with my fellow Councillors for the continued benefit of Wombourne.

I would like to specifically thank our outgoing Chairman, Councillor Mary Roberts. It has been an absolute pleasure shadowing her for the last year. She has been thoughtful and supportive, providing me with ample hints and tips that will certainly come in handy over the next twelve months. She has been a dedicated and hard-working Chairman, and will – as with her own predecessor – be a hard act to follow. Mary, thank you.

One of the central parts of the Parish Council’s duties is engaging with the many and varied community and voluntary organisations that operate within the Parish. Not least due to my own years of experience as a volunteer, I relish the opportunity to get to know many of these better over the coming year. We have a vibrant and thriving volunteer community here in Wombourne, and this deserves to be celebrated. It is fitting therefore, that the Parish Council hosts an annual Civic Reception to honour these groups, and bestows an annual Civic Award. I am particularly looking forward to attending and supporting the annual Carnival and supporting the Best Kept Village committee. The results of these, and the tireless work that goes into them, are a credit to our village.

Finally, I would like to encourage you all to continue to engage with your Parish Council. Say hi and talk to us about all the great things that are happening locally, as well as the issues that are affecting you. We are always keen to celebrate new initiatives, creativity and the very best of our village.

Dan Kinsey
Vice-Chairman
Wombourne Parish Council